Selecting Wine & Champaign For Your Wedding
Houston is served by a number of wholesale distributors who sell their wines to resorts, inns, restaurants and caterers who are licensed to supply the public and are permitted to host on-premise consumption. Make sure you ask about this license status.
Among the distributors, a very wide range of wines and champagnes are available. Each reception site or caterer may have compiled a list from which your choices can be made. If you are looking for a specific wine or champagne they, or any of the distributors, can assist you in determining its availability within Houston. Don't hesitate to ask and don't forget to taste a sampling to be sure it's what you want.
Choices and Guidelines
Some of the questions that you'll discuss in determing wine & champagne options include:
- What scope of bar service will be selected - an open bar or pay bar, limited-time open bar, wine and beer, wine only with dinner? There are many possible choices.
- Quantity - an approximate average would be one drink per person per hour. This type of ruleof-thumb can be applied to the expected size of the reception in order to calculate inventory needs. On the basis of 100 guests, anticipate: 2 cases of white wine, 1 case of red wine, and 3 cases of Champagne/Sparkling wine.
- What general types of wine will be needed? While red wine is increasing in popularity, there is still a general preference for white wine at receptions. Remember to consider the age and general preferences of your guests in determining inventory.
- Are you able to supply your own wine - especially if you have a very specific preference? Check with the inn, reception site, caterer or distributor. If you can, then find out if there is a corkage fee, how much it is and how it is calculated.
- It's helpful to pair your wine selections with the menu for your reception. This enhances both the food and the wine for the wedding party and your guests. Your caterer should be able to help with this and their distributor can also offer wine-pairing suggestions for you.
- Champagne/Sparknng wine can be offered as a reception cocktail in addition to the toast and different types can be esignated for either use. Indeed, a premium choice can be made just for the head table, and/or parents table.
- The serving of alcohol recognizes a responsibility to ensure moderate consumption and to maintain its role as one element in a day or weekend of celebration. It is thoughfful to provide a non-alcohol alternative to those who choose not to drink alcohol and to anyone underage. Waitstaff, using a discreet and professional approach, should not be serving anyone underage and they should be aware of consumption behavior during the entire reception. Fortunately, alternatives include not only alcohol-free wines but also sparklers that will ensure that all your guests will enjoy the ceremonial toasts. Again, there is a good selection of alcohol-free sparkling fruit wines and ciders available and your caterer and their distributors can help with selections.
- Is there a particular theme that you are celebrating and that you are integrating into the wedding and reception? Wine selections can help reinforce this whether it may be family heritage, the season and setting for the wedding, a memory of significance to the wedding couple, or the level of formality at the reception. (Coming soon. Examples of Seasonal Wines.
- Some suppliers may be able to offer a customized label for the wine and/or champagne. This frequently offers an opportunity to present commemorative gift items in a small size bottle of 375 ml or 187 ml. Some minimums may apply and this possibility should be discussed well in advance of the wedding.
- Discuss your wine and champagne wishes with your caterers and/or reception site when contracting so that all the issues reiated to choices, levels of service, and costs are finalized in advance. Distributors can also be helpful in offering suggestions related to your preferences and they offer an additional source of information to you and your caterer.
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